Foldable Storage Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a foldable storage apparatus. The foldable storage apparatus comprises a sheet having an initial flat configuration. The sheet comprises a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents. The foldable storage apparatus also comprises first and second couplers supported by the sheet and operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume. The foldable storage apparatus further comprises an elongate tail extending from the receiving portion and operable to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure the contents therein.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/365,953, filed Jul. 20, 2010, and entitled,“Foldable Storage Apparatus,” which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage devices, and morespecifically to foldable storage devices, such as bags, sacks, carriers,etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

A wide variety of storage devices are available to store a wide varietyof items. Often, storage devices are used not only for storage, but alsofor transport. Some items to be stored and transported can be unwieldyand difficult to put into storage devices. For example, a collection ofleaves, sticks, or other yard debris, climbing rope, camping gear suchas a tents or sleeping bags, or other such items can be difficult tocontain within storage devices and transported. Thus, there is a needfor a storage device that can be configured to easily receive and storeunwieldy items and then transport these with minimal difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, thepresent invention seeks to overcome these by providing a foldablestorage apparatus.

In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly describedherein, the present invention resides in a foldable storage apparatus.In one aspect of the present invention, the foldable storage apparatuscomprises a sheet having an initial substantially flat configuration,the sheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or morecontents. In another aspect of the present invention, the foldablestorage apparatus comprises first and second couplers supported by thesheet and operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet togetherto at least partially define a capture volume. In a further aspect ofthe present invention, the foldable storage apparatus comprises anelongate tail portion extending from the receiving portion that isoperable to substantially enclose the capture volume and secure thecontents therein.

In another aspect, the present invention resides in a foldable storageapparatus comprising a sheet having an initial flat configuration, thesheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents,and an elongate tail portion extending from the receiving portion; atleast one coupler that couples at least two sections of the sheettogether about the contents so as to at least partially define a capturevolume; and at least one coupler that couples the tail portion to abackside of the sheet about the contents to substantially enclose thecapture volume and secure the contents.

In still another aspect, the present invention resides in a foldablestorage apparatus comprising a sheet having an initial flatconfiguration, the sheet comprising a receiving portion for receivingone or more contents; first and second couplers supported by the sheetand operable to secure at least two sections of the sheet together to atleast partially define a capture volume; and an elongate tail extendingfrom the receiving portion and operable to substantially enclose thecapture volume and secure the contents therein.

In still a further aspect, the present invention resides in a method ofstoring an item, comprising disposing one or more contents on areceiving portion of a sheet, the sheet being in a substantially flatconfiguration; coupling a first coupler of the sheet to a second couplerof the sheet to secure two sections of the sheet together to at leastpartially define a capture volume; and enclosing the capture volume andsecuring the contents therein with an elongate tail extending from thereceiving portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depictexemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, notto be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciatedthat the components of the present invention, as generally described andillustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in awide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus configuredto at least partially define a capture volume in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.1 in an initial flat configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back side of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.1 in an initial flat configuration;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in aninitial flat configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in aninitial flat configuration in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in aninitial flat configuration in accordance with yet another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in aninitial flat configuration in accordance with still another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a coupler of a foldable storage apparatus inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in afirst step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.6A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.6A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.6A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of the fourth step of storing an itemshown in FIG. 6D in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus ofFIG. 6A in a fifth step of storing an item in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus ofFIG. 6A in a sixth step of storing an item in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus ofFIG. 6A in a seventh step of storing an item in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7E illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus ofFIG. 6A in an eighth step of storing an item in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7F illustrates a side view of the foldable storage apparatus ofFIG. 6A in a ninth step of storing an item in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in afirst step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.8A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.8A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.8A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a foldable storage apparatus in afirst step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.9A in a second step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.9A in a third step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9D illustrates a top view of the foldable storage apparatus of FIG.9A in a fourth step of storing an item in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate a foldable storage apparatus in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as well asvarious steps within a method for storing an item within the foldablestorage apparatus; and

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate further steps in the method of storing an itemwithin the foldable storage apparatus of FIGS. 10-A-10E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While theseexemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to theinvention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scopeof the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes ofillustration only to describe the features and characteristics of thepresent invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art topractice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventionis to be defined solely by the appended claims.

The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of theinvention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention aredesignated by numerals throughout.

The present invention describes an apparatus and method for storingitems using a storage apparatus. The storage apparatus may comprise asheet that may be placed flat on a surface, such as a ground surface.The sheet may include a receiving portion for receiving contents, oritems to be stored. The storage apparatus may also comprise couplerssupported by the sheet. The couplers may be operable to secure at leasttwo section of the sheet together to at least partially define a capturevolume. The storage apparatus may further comprise an elongate tailextending from the receiving portion. The tail may be operable with thesecured two sections to substantially enclose the capture volume andsecure the contents therein.

The present invention provides several significant advantages over priorrelated storage devices, some of which are recited here and throughoutthe following more detailed description. First, the storage apparatuscan be configured in a number of different configurations, wherein thestorage apparatus can initially accept and subsequently secure unwieldystorage items that may be difficult to handle and maneuver. Second, thestorage apparatus can accommodate a wide variety of storage item shapesand sizes as its capture volume is defined at least in part by the itemto be secured therein.

Each of the above-recited advantages will be apparent in light of thedetailed description set forth below, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. These advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way.Indeed, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other advantages maybe realized, other than those specifically recited herein, uponpracticing the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a foldable storage apparatus 10. Inthe figure, the foldable storage apparatus 10 is shown configured to atleast partially define a capture volume 16. The foldable storageapparatus 10 may comprise a sheet 11, which may include a broad, thinconfiguration and surface and may be flexible enough to be foldable intoa configuration that defines a capture volume 16. For example, a sheet11 may include natural and/or synthetic materials such as polymers,nylon, canvas, cotton, etc.

The sheet 11 may comprise a number of different shapes orconfigurations, such as the one shown in FIGS. 2, 4A-4D, 8A, and 10A.However, these particular embodiments are not intended to be limiting inany way as those skilled in the art will recognize that sheet 11 maycomprise other shapes and configurations other than those specificallyshown herein.

Couplers 43, 44 may be supported by the sheet and may be operable tosecure two sections of the sheet together to at least partially definethe capture volume 16. In the figure, the capture volume 16 is showncontaining contents 18. Contents 18 may be leaves, grass, gravel, twigs,sticks, rocks, trash, rope, tools, sports equipment, camping gear, orany other item or combination of items that may be contained by thecapture volume 16. It should be noted that the configuration shown inthe figure may be useful for adding and/or removing contents from thefoldable storage apparatus 10.

The contents 18 in the capture volume 16 may be enclosed and secured bya tail or tail portion 30 of the foldable storage apparatus 10. In thefigure, tail 30 is shown secured by holders 35 and 36 to a groundsurface. Holders may be used to secure various portions of the foldablestorage apparatus 10 to a ground surface to facilitate collection andcapture of contents 18, as discussed in more detail below. The tail 30may be elongate and may extend from a receiving portion 20 of the sheet11. The tail 30 may also be operable to substantially enclose thecapture volume 16 and secure the contents 18 therein. Each of thesefeatures and elements is discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,illustrated is a top side 12 (FIG. 2) and a bottom side 14 (FIG. 3) ofthe foldable storage apparatus 10. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet 11 of thefoldable storage apparatus 10 is shown as being in a flat configuration.FIG. 2 illustrates possible placement of holders 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, and 38 that may be used to secure the foldable storage apparatus 10to a ground surface to facilitate collection and capture of contents.Holders may comprise stakes, pegs, spikes, rocks, weights, or any otherobject or device that can secure at least a portion (e.g. an edge) ofthe foldable storage apparatus to a ground surface. It should be notedthat use of holders is optional and the holders may be selectively usedin any situation where they may be advantageous, or selectively removedif desired.

Any of sections 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be brought and coupled together todefine, at least partially, a capture volume 16. In certain embodiments,sections 1 and 2 may be lateral sections and sections 3 and 4 may belongitudinal sections. Couplers may be used to couple the sectionstogether. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, couplers 41, 42, 43, 44,51, 61, 71, and 81 may be located on the top side of the foldablestorage apparatus 10. Alternatively, any or all of these couplers may belocated on the bottom side 14 of the foldable storage apparatus 10. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 3, couplers 52, 53, 62, 63, 72, 73, 74, 82,83, and 84 may be located on the bottom side 14 of the foldable storageapparatus 10. The couplers located on the bottom side 14 may providedifferent options for sizing the capture volume 16. For example,connecting coupler 51 to coupler 53 may create a smaller capture volumethan connecting coupler 51 to coupler 52. Similarly, connecting coupler71 to coupler 74 may create a smaller capture volume than connectingcoupler 71 to coupler 72.

Couplers may comprise ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook andloop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches,clasps, or any other suitable mechanism or configuration for couplingsections of the storage apparatus together. Likewise, means for securingat least two sections of a sheet together may comprise various couplersin the form of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loopfasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps,or any other suitable mechanism or configuration for securing at leasttwo sections of the sheet together.

Similarly, means for securing the tail portion to the backside of thesheet may comprise various couplers in the form of ties, straps, clips,hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles,snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, or any other suitable mechanism orconfiguration. In a particular embodiment, a coupler or means forsecuring may comprise a relatively narrow and elongated portion of thefoldable storage apparatus 10 itself that is sufficient to engageanother like coupler or means for securing, wherein the two may besecured together, such as to be tied into a knot, as exemplified bycouplers 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 71, and 81. For example, any one of theaforementioned couplers may be configured to form a knot with any othercoupler of the foldable storage apparatus 10, including couplers 52, 53,62, 63, 72, 73, 74, 82, 83, and 84, which may comprise ties or strapsconnected to the back side 14 of the foldable storage apparatus 10.

In the embodiment shown, couplers 41 and 42 may connect sections 1 and 2together. Additionally, or in the alternative, couplers 43 and 44 mayconnect sections 1 and 2 together. Connecting sections of the sheettogether functions to create a three-dimensional structure to at leastpartially define the capture volume 16. Furthermore, couplers 51 and 61may connect with couplers 52 and 62, respectively, to secure section 3to sections 1 and 2 and to further define the capture volume 16. Theresult of this may be as shown in FIG. 1, where the capture volume 16 issubstantially closed, with an opening oriented toward the tail 30.

In certain embodiments, the tail 30 may be elongate such that its widthhas a dimension at least as wide as between one fifth and one half ofits length. In one embodiment, the tail 30 may be a part of the sheet11. In other words, the tail 30 and the sheet 11 can form a unitarystructure. In another embodiment, the tail may be independent orseparate from the sheet. In this example, the tail may be removablycoupled to the receiving portion of the sheet. In a certain aspect, thetail may comprise a sheet-like configuration, although it is not a partof the sheet 11. In certain other aspects, the tail may be a cord, rope,tie, or any other configuration that may function in a similar manner tosecure contents in the foldable storage apparatus.

In some embodiments, a handle 22 and/or shoulder straps 24 may beattached to the sheet 11 to aid in lifting, carrying, or maneuvering thefoldable storage apparatus 10. In certain embodiments, the foldablestorage apparatus may include a compression mechanism to compress thefoldable storage apparatus and its contents into a more compactconfiguration. For example, a compression mechanism may include straps,mesh, webbing, elastics, etc. that functions to compress or furthercompress the foldable storage apparatus defining, at least in part, thecapture volume. The compression mechanism may be separate from thestorage apparatus, it may be secured to the outside of the storageapparatus, it may compress all or a portion of the storage apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, illustrated are different embodiments of afoldable storage apparatus. FIG. 4A shows a foldable storage apparatus100 and depicts couplers 141, 142, 143, 144, 151, 161, 171, and 181 asbeing configured to have a more pronounced narrow and elongated portionthan the couplers shown in FIGS. 1-3 that may be easier to grasp andtie. In addition, the receiving portion 120 comprises an octagon-likeshape, with some of the edges being curved, and the tail portion 130being integrally formed with the receiving portion 120.

FIG. 4B depicts a foldable storage apparatus 200 as having couplers 245,246, 247, and 248 in addition to couplers 241, 242, 243, 244, 251, 261,271, and 281. The additional couplers may provide more coupling optionsand may be used to enhance the security or integrity of the foldablestorage apparatus 200 when containing storage items or contents. Itshould be noted that use of any given coupler or group of couplers of afoldable storage apparatus may be optional and they may be usedselectively as needed to secure or contain storage contents. In thisembodiment, the receiving portion 220 comprises an octagon-like shape,with some of the edges being curved, with the tail portion 230 beingintegrally formed with the receiving portion 220 and comprising a longerlength than the tail portion shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows another exemplary foldable storage apparatus 300 anddepicts couplers 341, 342, 343, 344, 351, 361, 371, and 381 ascomprising magnetic or adhesive strips. Also shown in this embodiment isa defined and indicated target area 321 for depositing storage items orcontents. Target area 321 may include multiple boundaries, markings orother indicia evident on a surface of the sheet that may indicate anacceptable placement and/or amount of storage contents. For example,storage apparatus 300 may include target area 321 that may indicate amaximum or suggested outer boundary of a pile of leaves that can becontained by the storage apparatus when in a storage configuration. Thereceiving portion 320 comprises somewhat of a diamond shape, with curvededges and a curved top edge. The receiving portion 320 is integrallyformed with a tail portion 330 having a curved bottom edge, and twoouter curving portions.

FIG. 4D shows foldable storage apparatus 400 and depicts couplers 441,442, 443, 444, 445, 451, 461, 471, and 481. Couplers 451 and 461 may beconfigured to function as “drawstrings.” For example, couplers 451 and461 may be connected to the storage apparatus at ends 448 and 449,respectively, and may be routed about and free to move along edges 446and 447, respectively. Thus, pulling on free ends of couplers 451 and461 may “cinch” up the storage apparatus and further define the capturevolume and the overall storage volume. This may enhance the security orintegrity of the foldable storage apparatus 400 when containing storageitems or contents. The receiving portion 420 comprises a diamond-likeshape and tail portion 430 similar to that shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates one type of coupler in the form of an adhesive strip540. The adhesive strip 540 may be covered by a protective coveringuntil used. The adhesive strip 540 may be coupled to another coupler orit may be coupled to a portion (e.g., a surface) of the foldable storageapparatus. In some embodiments, the adhesive strips may be reusable.

In a related embodiment, a method of storing an item within a foldablestorage apparatus in accordance with the principles discussed and taughtherein is shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. The method comprises disposing one ormore contents 618 on a receiving portion 620 of a sheet, the sheetinitially being in a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 6A. As shownin the figure, the foldable storage apparatus may be secured to a groundsurface by holders 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, and 638, which maybe located at or near the edges of the storage apparatus and/or thecouplers 651, 661, 642, 644, 681, 671, 643, and 641, respectively. Inthe following method steps, the holders may be selectively removed orreleased to allow various sections to be brought together, and tofacilitate various couplers to couple together.

The method further comprises coupling a first coupler 641 of the sheetto a second coupler 642 of the sheet to secure two sections 601, 602 ofthe sheet together to at least partially define a capture volume 616, asshown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. In one aspect, shown in FIG. 6D, the methodmay comprise coupling a third coupler 651 of the sheet to a fourthcoupler 652 of the sheet to secure a third section 603 of the sheet tothe first section 601 and/or second section 602 of the sheet, to furtherdefine the capture volume 616. It should be noted that the configurationshown in FIG. 6D may be useful for adding and/or removing contents fromthe foldable storage apparatus 600 as the capture volume is onlysubstantially closed. In this configuration, items may be inserted orremoved through the formed opening.

It should also be noted that, in another embodiment, the first couplermay be coupler 643 and the second coupler may be coupler 644. In anotheraspect, the third coupler may be coupler 661 and the fourth coupler maybe coupler 662. In still another embodiment, illustrated in the figures,couplers 641 and 643 may connect with couplers 642 and 644,respectively. Further, couplers 651 and 661 may connect with couplers652 and 662, respectively, to further define the capture volume. Instill another aspect, couplers 651 and 661 may connect with couplers 653and 663, respectively. In this example, the coupler combination maydefine a capture volume that is less than the capture volume created inthe previous example. In yet another embodiment, couplers 651 and 661may connect with couplers 652 and 663, or 653 and 662, respectively.This may define a capture volume of an asymmetric shape to betteraccommodate an asymmetric item or contents.

As shown in the figures, couplers 652, 653, 662, and 663 may be locatedon a back or bottom side of the sheet. Thus, in one aspect, the methodmay further comprise connecting a first longitudinal portion 603 of thesheet to a back side of the sheet. In certain embodiments, a sheet maynot include couplers 652, 653, 662, and 663 on the back side of thesheet. Thus, in this embodiment, the first longitudinal portion 603 maybe connected to the back side of the sheet using only coupler 651 and/orcoupler 661.

This illustrates that, depending on the type of coupler, couplers neednot be utilized in pairs, as one coupler may be sufficient to couple toa portion of the sheet without a mating coupler. Thus, couplers may beconnected in a variety of ways to secure contents in the foldablestorage apparatus.

The method of storing an item is further shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. FIG. 7Ashows a side view of the configuration represented in FIG. 6D.Additionally, the method may comprise enclosing the capture volume andsecuring the contents therein with an elongate tail 630 extending fromthe receiving portion. This is illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7F, as thecapture volume 616 of the storage apparatus 600 is moved, or in thiscase rolled, in a direction 621 toward the tail 630 of the storageapparatus 600. Alternatively, the tail may be moved in a directiontoward the capture volume of the storage apparatus to enclose theopening and the capture volume and secure the contents. In yet anotheralternative, the tail and the capture volume may be moved toward eachother to enclose the capture volume and secure the contents. In oneaspect, the method may comprise connecting a second longitudinal portion604 to a back or bottom side of the sheet. In another aspect, enclosingthe capture volume and securing the contents may comprise rolling thecapture volume toward the second longitudinal portion 604. Stillfurther, the method may comprise compressing the capture volume using acompression mechanism on an exterior of the sheet. In yet anotheraspect, the method may comprise grasping a handle or shoulder strapattached to the sheet. In any event, the elongate tail operates to closethe capture volume by folding with or about the portions of the sheetforming the partially enclosed capture volume.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate another method of storing an item in accordancewith the principles herein. This method may be considered an alternativeto the method shown in FIGS. 6A-6D and may, therefore, be followed bythe method shown in FIGS. 7A-7F. As shown in the figures, the foldablestorage apparatus 700 may be secured to a ground surface by holders 733,734, 735, 736, 737, and 738, which may be located at or near couplers742, 744, 781, 771, 743, and 741, respectively. In the following methodsteps, the holders may be selectively removed to allow various couplersto couple together.

Illustrated in this embodiment, the method comprises coupler 743connected to coupler 742 to at least partially define a capture volume716 of the storage apparatus 700. This may be followed by connectingcoupler 741 to coupler 744 to further define the capture volume. Thismay result in portions of sections 701 and 702 being connected acrosseach other, for example in a diagonal or criss-cross manner. For certainitems, this may be advantageous for storage or containment of the items.Also illustrated in this embodiment, is section (or longitudinalportion) 703 with coupler 750. In this embodiment, section 703 may bemoved or folded to further define the capture volume 716 with coupler750 coupled to at least a portion of the diagonal or criss-crossportions of sections 701 and 702. It should be noted that theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8D may be useful for adding and/or removingcontents from the foldable storage apparatus 700. Alternatively, section703 may not include a coupler. In this case, section 703 may be held inplace by the tail 730 when the tail 730 is coupled to a back side of thesheet with couplers 771 and 781.

FIGS. 8A-8D further illustrate a foldable storage apparatus 700 formedin accordance with another exemplary embodiment, wherein receivingportion 720 comprises a plurality of opposing curved edges, and anintegrally formed elongated tail portion 730 also comprising curvededges.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate yet another method of storing an item inaccordance with the principles herein. Similar to the method shown inFIGS. 8A-8D, this method may be considered an alternative to the methodshown in FIGS. 6A-6D and may, therefore, be followed by the method shownin FIGS. 7A-7F. This embodiment illustrates, among other things, afoldable storage apparatus comprised of multiple sheets or individualpieces of material. In this example, the tail 830 is attached to thereceiving portion 620 of the storage apparatus 800 at 811. Theattachment may be achieved by sewing, gluing, welding, tacking, pinning,riveting, or any other suitable attachment. The attachment 811illustrates one example of an attachment configuration. Theconfiguration of the attachment 811 is not to be restricted and may beconfigured in any manner that allows the following method steps to beperformed. This example also illustrates an alternative arrangement ofsections that may be coupled, as shown particularly by the presence andlocation of section 860.

As shown in the figures, the foldable storage apparatus 800 may besecured to a ground surface by holders 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, and 838,which may be located at or near couplers 842, 844, 881, 871, 843, and841, respectively. In the following method steps, the holders may beselectively removed to allow various couplers to couple together.

Illustrated in this embodiment, the method comprises coupler 843connected to coupler 842 to at least partially define a capture volume816 of the storage apparatus 800. This may be followed by connectingcoupler 841 to coupler 844 to further define the capture volume. Thismay result in portions of sections 801 and 802 being connected acrosseach other, for example in a diagonal or criss-cross manner. Alsoillustrated in this embodiment, are sections (or longitudinal portions)803 and 804 with couplers 850 and 860, respectively. In this embodiment,sections 803 and 804 may be moved or folded to further define thecapture volume 816 with coupler 850 coupled to coupler 860. It should benoted that the configuration shown in FIG. 9C may be useful for addingand/or removing contents from the foldable storage apparatus 800.Alternatively, sections 803 and 804 may not include couplers. In thiscase, sections 803 and 804 may be tucked under criss-crossed portionsand/or held in place by the tail 830 when the tail 830 is coupled to aback side of the sheet with couplers 871 and 881.

Illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E is a foldable storage apparatus 900 formedin accordance with another exemplary embodiment. In this particularembodiment, the receiving portion 920 and the tail portion 930 eachcomprise a pair of extensions (see extensions 992 and 994 extending fromthe receiving portion 920; and extensions 996 and 998 extending from thetail portion 930), such that when portions of the receiving portion arebrought together and secured to one another to form a capture volume 916as shown in FIGS. 10B-10D, the extensions 992 and 994 may be positionedas shown in FIG. 10D. Subsequently, the extensions 992 and 994 may bewrapped around the portions of the receiving portion 920 securedtogether, and the formed capture volume 916 as shown in FIG. 10E. Themethod for forming the capture volume 916 and securing together portionsof the receiving portion, or rather the method for storing an item, maybe similar to that described above, and shown in FIGS. 6A-6D or FIGS.8A-8D. Even though not shown here, the foldable storage apparatus 900may comprise similar coupling devices or systems as described above.

The extensions 992 and 994 function to form a more secure capture volume916, and to reduce the chance of the portions of the receiving portionthat are secured together from coming apart or separating from oneanother. The extensions 992 and 994 may be any size or shape as neededor desired.

In addition, although not shown, the receiving portion 920 may compriseadditional extension portions that are configured to provide a similarwrapping and securing function.

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate further steps for storing an item with thefoldable storage apparatus 900 similar to those described above andshown in FIGS. 7A-7F, with the difference being that the extensions 996and 998 extending from the tail portion 930 (see FIG. 10A), may besecured around the entire folded apparatus once the receiving portion920 and the formed capture volume 916 are folded about the tail portion930, as shown in FIG. 11F.

With reference again to FIG. 10A, the extensions 992, 994, 996 and 998may further comprise one or more couplings that are associatedtherewith, similar to those described above, that may be used to securethe extensions to other portions of the foldable storage apparatus 900.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of theinvention have been described herein, the present invention is notlimited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodimentshaving modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects acrossvarious embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would beappreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detaileddescription. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the foregoing detailed description or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term“preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably,but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claimsmay be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presentedin the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitationswill only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of thefollowing conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or“step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function isexpressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support themeans-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by thedescriptions and examples given above.

1. A foldable storage apparatus comprising: a sheet having an initialflat configuration, said sheet comprising a receiving portion forreceiving one or more contents, and an elongate tail portion extendingfrom said receiving portion; at least one coupler that couples at leasttwo sections of said sheet together about said contents so as to atleast partially define a capture volume; and at least one coupler thatcouples said tail portion to a backside of said sheet about saidcontents to substantially enclose said capture volume and secure saidcontents therein.
 2. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid couplers are selected from the group consisting of ties, straps,clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, elastics,buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps, drawstrings, and combinationsthereof.
 3. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidcouplers comprise a narrow elongated portion of the foldable storageapparatus that engages another narrow elongated portion, wherein theelongated portion and the another elongated portion are securedtogether.
 4. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a holder to secure a portion of said foldable storageapparatus to a ground surface to facilitate collection and capture ofsaid contents.
 5. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein theholder is selected from the group consisting of a stake, a peg, spikes,a rock, a weight, and combinations thereof.
 6. A foldable storageapparatus comprising: a sheet having an initial flat configuration, saidsheet comprising a receiving portion for receiving one or more contents;first and second couplers supported by said sheet and operable to secureat least two sections of said sheet together to at least partiallydefine a capture volume; and a tail extending from said receivingportion and operable to substantially enclose said capture volume andsecure said contents therein.
 7. The foldable storage apparatus of claim6, wherein said first and second couplers are selected from the groupconsisting of ties, straps, clips, hooks, adhesives, hook and loopfasteners, magnets, elastics, buckles, snaps, buttons, latches, clasps,drawstrings, and combinations thereof.
 8. The foldable storage apparatusof claim 6, wherein at least one of said first and second couplers islocated on at least one of a top side and a bottom side of said foldablestorage apparatus.
 9. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, whereinsaid tail is elongate such that a width of said tail has a dimension atleast as wide as between one fifth and one half of a length of saidtail.
 10. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said tailis removably coupled to said receiving portion.
 11. The foldable storageapparatus of claim 6, wherein said tail is selected from the groupconsisting of a sheet-like configuration, a cord, a rope, a tie, andcombinations thereof.
 12. The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6,further comprising at least one of a handle and a shoulder strap. 13.The foldable storage apparatus of claim 6, further comprising acompression mechanism to compress the foldable storage apparatus and itscontents into a more compact configuration.
 14. The foldable storageapparatus of claim 6, further comprising a third coupler to provide anadditional coupling option.
 15. The foldable storage apparatus of claim6, wherein at least one of said receiving portion and said tail compriseat least one extension that operates to wrap around and secure toanother portion of said foldable storage apparatus.
 16. A method ofstoring an item, comprising: disposing one or more contents on areceiving portion of a sheet, the sheet being in a substantially flatconfiguration; coupling a first coupler of said sheet to a secondcoupler of said sheet to secure two sections of said sheet together toat least partially define a capture volume; and enclosing said capturevolume and securing said contents therein with an elongate tailextending from said receiving portion.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising: securing said sheet to a ground surface with aholder; and selectively removing said holder to allow coupling of saidfirst coupler to said second coupler.
 18. The method of claim 16,further comprising coupling a third coupler of said sheet to a fourthcoupler of said sheet to secure a third section of said sheet to atleast one of said first section and said second section of said sheet,to further define said capture volume.
 19. The method of claim 16,further comprising connecting a first longitudinal portion of said sheetto a back side of said sheet.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising connecting a second longitudinal portion to at least one ofsaid back side of said sheet and a bottom side of said sheet.
 21. Themethod of claim 16, wherein portions of said two sections of said sheetare connected across each other.